Clark Joseph Anderson: Birth Story

Due to high blood pressure and low amniotic fluid I had to be induced 3 weeks and a day early. (See previous post for more details) On Wednesday, August 3, I was scheduled to check in at the hospital at 6:15 am.  I of course didn't sleep more than 3 hours that night and found a mouse in the bathroom at 4 am. Poor Kevin spent a couple hours trying to get it, but never did. 

I was instructed to call before leaving just to make sure they had room for me in labor and delivery. I called the hospital at 5:30 am and unfortunately they were full and couldn't take me. I called every two hours, but labor and delivery was still super busy and I kept being told to call back later. 

Kevin and I finally left home at noon and went to lunch at Kneaders because I couldnt stand waiting around at home. We got the hospital at 1 pm, and finally got called up to labor and delivery at 2 pm. They still didn't have a room for me though, so it as 2:30 by the time I was in a room. An hour later they started the pitocin and the wait began.

I checked into the hospital at 3 cm dilated and 70% effaced. I was surprised that I was having mild contractions before they started me on the pitocin considering I was 3 weeks early. I asked for the Epideral once the contractions started to get painful, and the anesthesiologist came quickly and administered it at 5:45 pm. I wish I had asked for it a little earlier though, because my doctor came in at 6 pm to break my water. I wasn't fully numb yet. 

I was hoping things would go really quickly after that, but my progression seemed slow. At 8:15 pm I was at a 5 and 90%. 9:35 pm at a 7 and 100% effaced. I started feeling pressure at 10 pm and knew it was about time to push. At 10:20 I was finally at a 10. I started pushing at 10:25 and 4 pushes later he was born at 10:30 pm. 6 lbs 6 ozs and 19 inches long. 

Kevin and I both got choked up when we first saw our baby boy. That much anticipated moment was so special. 

My mom was able to leave the girls with my dad and come to the hospital to meet Clark that night. So glad she was there since Kevin fell asleep not long after. 😉

We were still undecided on a name when we arrived at the hospital and gave ourselves the deadline of bath time to decide on one. Kevin thought he looked like a Stratton and I insisted on Clark. Thankfully I have a wonderful husband and he agreed to Clark Joseph Anderson. Joseph is Kevin's middle name. 

They were able to do all of his tests and bath in our recovery room, which I was so grateful for. I hate that I missed those moments with both the girls. 

That instant love and connection is still so incredible to me. I love this little man so much!